Dr. C. Richard (“Rich”) Sharbaugh, 78, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Friday May 24, 2024, in Newark, DE.
Born on March 7, 1946, in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Chester, PA, Rich was the son of the late Alvin and Beulah Sharbaugh. He was a graduate of St. James Catholic High School, Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener), and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
After completing his residency at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Rich started his own family medical practice. “Doc,” as so many knew him, cared for and treated generations of families across the Pike Creek community from his Limestone Road office next to Carousel Park.
Rich served in the military for decades, retiring from the Delaware Army National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2004. He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan – “Fly Eagles, Fly!” – and he loved playing games (Scrabble and Fast Track), being at Bethany Beach, and most of all, spending time with his kids, family, and friends.
Rich is survived by his three children: Fr. Jason Sharbaugh, Matthew Sharbaugh (husband Christian Daw), and Kelly Sharbaugh; two grandchildren, Emily and James; brother A. David Sharbaugh; and sisters Pat Hutchinson, Helen Voroscak, Karen Mosczczywski, and Jeanne Guido.
Along with his parents, Rich was predeceased by birthmother Sarah Nellett and sister Sandy Madden.
The family extends its sincere gratitude to Somerford Place and Compassionate Care Hospice for their thoughtful and dedicated care over the last few months.
A visitation will be held from 11am – 12 noon on Friday May 31 at St John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Rd. Wilmington 19808. Mass of Christian Burial will be follow at 12pm. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to the Home of the Brave Foundation (homeofthebravefdn.org).
